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Biological Approaches Promise Innovative and Sustainable Management of Powdery Mildew in Lebanese Squash

Author

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  • Michel Frem

    (Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, Zone El Roumieh, Qleiat, Keserwan, Lebanon
    Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Franco Nigro

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
    Center of Research, Training and Experimentation in Agriculture “Basile Caramia”, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Serge Medawar

    (Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, Zone El Roumieh, Qleiat, Keserwan, Lebanon)

  • Maroun El Moujabber

    (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute, CIHEAM Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Biological management techniques act as a promising and sustainable alternative to alleviate pathogen-induced losses, improve ecosystem functions, and reinforce the resilience of agricultural systems. Lebanese squash production has been threatened by powdery mildew disease caused by the fungus Podosphaera xanthii . Very few studies, even unpublished ones, stress the evaluation of biological control approaches in the Lebanese agriculture sector. Here, we have aimed to evaluate the effect of five safe biological treatments (olive soap, sodium bicarbonate, garlic extract, horsetail, and compost tea) in the management of powdery mildew on Lebanese squash in organic open field conditions. Plants were treated after the first spots of powdery mildew appeared on leaves. We then examined the leaves to evaluate disease incidence and severity, and to compare the ability of the five treatments to reduce powdery mildew disease and incidence, in comparison with the untreated control. Plants treated with sodium bicarbonate and garlic extract were the least affected by powdery mildew regarding disease incidence and severity, while tea compost proved to be the least effective product. Organic management of vegetable crops is extremely important in order to ensure global food security and reduce pesticide applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Michel Frem & Franco Nigro & Serge Medawar & Maroun El Moujabber, 2022. "Biological Approaches Promise Innovative and Sustainable Management of Powdery Mildew in Lebanese Squash," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:5:p:2811-:d:760679
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Raied Abou Kubaa & Elia Choueiri & Angelo De Stradis & Fouad Jreijiri & Maria Saponari & Fabrizio Cillo, 2021. "Occurrence and Distribution of Major Viruses Infecting Eggplant in Lebanon and Molecular Characterization of a Local Potato Virus X Isolate," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-16, February.
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